RODGERS: WE ARE IN CONTROL OF SUAREZ FUTURE

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is adamant that the club are in complete control of Luis Suarez's future.

The 26-year-old is currently at the Confederations Cup with Uruguay and has publicly voiced his desire to quit the Premier League this summer due to his negative portrayal in the British media.

Suarez, who has also claimed he is disturbed by Liverpool's failure to secure Champions League football, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but Rodgers says he is relaxed over the Uruguayan's demands.

“It’s quite simple. The club is in complete control of the situation," Rodgers told talkSPORT.

“For me there is no real change in it. He’s away with the Uruguay squad at the moment and we’re messaging and what not.

“I will always listen to players. I always work closely with players and listen to their point of view but the biggest word is with the club.

“Sometimes interviews get put out there and highlighted, but parts of Luis’ interviews have been about how much he loves Liverpool, but of course that doesn’t get highlighted.

“It’s something that happens. I’m quite relaxed about it.”

Rodgers reiterated that Suarez is a vital part of Liverpool's progression and believes the Uruguayan appreciates the backing from the club's supporters.

“What I know is that the support Luis has had from the people here in Liverpool, the city and the football club, has been phenomenal and I know he feels that and respects that," Rodgers said.

“We’re in a situation where we’ve got a player who we don’t want to lose.

"We’re trying to build something here and he’s a very important part of that and because of the type of player he is he will always give his best."

DANTE: SCORING AGAINST ITALY IS A DREAM COME TRUE

Brazil defender Dante was delighted to get on the scoresheet on the return to his hometown as he helped Luiz Felipe Scolari's side finish top of Confederations Cup Group A with a hard-fought 4-2 win over Italy.

The Bayern Munich star replaced David Luiz, who suffered a dead leg in the first half, and opened the scoring for the South American nation on the stroke of half-time.

Speaking to reporters after the game, the 29-year-old expressed his happiness at scoring in front of his family.

He said: "It seems like a joke, but it isn't. I was dreaming about this [scoring against Italy, in Bahia].

"I bought 60 tickets for my family, so there's a lot of people there who came here to see me. I wanted to show them something, show something to my family and to everyone else who came here to see us."

Dante produced a solid defensive display to keep AC Milan forward Mario Balotelli at bay and was complimentary towards his opponent.

"Balotelli is one of the greatest centre forwards in the world. He gets out of the box a lot, so we had to watch out for him. But the

important thing is that the team played really well."

Brazil will most likely face Uruguay in the semi-finals and Dante is convinced that the Selecao can retain their Confederations Cup title.

"The most important thing is that we're well aware that we need to beat everyone if we want to be champions. So we don't choose who we want next," he continued.

"We have to continue the way we are, with our heads held high, working hard in order to get more victories."

FRED: I'M HAPPY TO END GOAL DROUGHT

Nobody will have been as relieved as Fred following Brazil's 4-2 Confederations Cup win over Italy on Saturday, as the 28-year-old netted two goals - his first of the tournament.

His second-half brace helped Luiz Felipe Scolari's team to a deserved victory which sends Selecao through as Group A winners, in a tournament which could offer to take some pressure of the national team's shoulders, if they can succeed.

"I have to thank God, in the first place, and my teammates, Felipão, to the physiotherapy guys, who were really tough on me and got me 100% fit again," Fred admitted to reporters.

"I was really bothered with the lack of goals, but I kept on working hard and I always felt the trust the lads passed on to me. Thank God everyone worked out, with the victory and the goals."

"When i said that [that I wanted to score one goal per game] it was because I wanted to score lots of goals. To a centre forward, it is always important to play well. If you can't score, then at least assist, and today I got this present of a great match. I'm really happy," he said.

Fred also was keen to admit how he relished participating in such a fixture, as Brazil look to be getting more clinical and cohesive as the tournament progresses.

"I love important games. The more decisive, the better. With the love from the fans, the support of our family, everyone here to watch us, it was really special for us," he beamed.

RODGERS: ALBERTO CAN BE LIKE COUTINHO

Brendan Rodgers has spoken of his joy at the capture of Luis Alberto from Sevilla – and insisted he can see similarities between the Spaniard and Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

The 20-year-old signed a long-term deal with the Reds, subject to international clearance, on Saturday morning.
Rodgers was delighted to complete the transfer and believes Alberto can follow in the footsteps of January signing Coutinho, who made an instant impact at Anfield after arriving from Inter Milan.
The boss told talkSPORT: "He's another Coutinho-type. We brought in young Philippe Coutinho in January when he was 20 years of age but he had good experience and more importantly fitted the profile of what we're trying to do here and what we're trying to build.
"Young Luis is exactly the same - a talented, very highly-rated young player when he was at Sevilla, but obviously spent last season at Barcelona B.
"He's a big talent and one for now that can play. He's got competitive games behind him and is one we see progressing over the next few years.
"Importantly, he knows the type of game and model we're trying to work in.

PRANDELLI: I'M SORRY FOR BALOTELLI REMARK

Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has found himself in hot water after letting slip a racially charged comment about star striker Mario Balotelli at the Confederations Cup, according to the BBC.

Balotelli was given special permission to attend a charity event despite the rest of the squad being confined to their hotel rooms as anti-government riots that have engulfed the nation continued to rage on the streets.

But when explaining the AC Milan striker's time away during a hostile period, Prandelli told reporters: "He was the only one who had permission because his colour is a little different than ours."
The 55-year-old would later apologise before clarifying his comment as a joke.
"I'm sorry. It was a joke. Of course," he told the BBC.
Later it was revealed Balotelli was allowed out so he could continue his charity work, helping children from some of the poorest parts of Salvador.
"Before I said something about the colour of our skin," added Prandelli. "I am glad we clarified that issue about why he was the only one allowed out.
"He was surrounded by all these people but he was working with a charity and doing something nice."
Italy face Brazil on Saturday for the chance to win Group A, but with the protests becoming increasing violent, there are rumours that the competition may be cancelled.
But despite admitting Italy had no intention of leaving the completion early, Prandelli did fear violent protestors were becoming an issue.
"Going home is not something we are thinking about," he said.
"But during the days we have been in Brazil the situation has changed from Rio, when we could visit the city with no problems. Here we have been forbidden from leaving the hotels.
"All peaceful demonstrations that can foster the improvement of a country are welcome. When they turn to violence they worry us.
"There are so many people, it is difficult to control those who don't want to demonstrate in a civil manner."

PREMIER LEAGUE TAKE ACTION AGAINST FIRSTROW.EU

The Premier League is to take legal action to make internet service providers block a website which streams live football matches.
Press Association Sport understands the governing body - which agreed a new worldwide television deal worth around £5.5billion over three years to start with the new season - is in the process of requesting a court order which would force ISPs to effectively ban their customers from accessing www.FirstRow1.eu, a website based in Sweden.

The moves follow on from those made by the music and film industries, which have successfully blocked websites which offer the opportunity to download copyrighted material, such as Pirate Bay, under Section 97 of the 1988 Copyright, Design and Patent Act.
BT is to move into the live broadcast market for the 2013-14 season, having paid £246million to the Premier League for three years - and is set to offer free access to their live sports offerings to its broadband subscribers. Sky also acts as an ISP, and has invested £760million in their football coverage for the next three seasons.
Press Association Sport understands the Premier League has already written to the major UK ISPs, which also include Virgin Media and TalkTalk, to outline its plans to apply for a court order to block www.FirstRow1.eu, which are expected to be put forwards by the end of the month.
Should the court order be granted, the ISPs would then have to contest the application, or comply and restrict access.
It is understood indications are the ISPs have no plans to go against any such application.
The Premier League has for many years monitored various websites during live matches and enforced the removal of any streaming content which breaches copyright.

ASTON VILLA CANCEL HOLMAN'S CONTRACT

Aston Villa have confirmed Australian midfielder Brett Holman's contract has been cancelled by mutual consent.

Holman joined Villa on a free transfer from AZ Alkmaar 12 months ago in a deal that had been arranged by former manager Alex McLeish.

Paul Lambert subsequently replaced McLeish as Villa boss and he included Holman regularly in his plans last season.
The 29-year-old made 27 appearances in the Premier League and scored his only league goal in a 1-1 draw with Queens Park Rangers last December.
However, with Lambert having already agreed five new signings for next season, reports suggested Holman would be one of the players allowed to leave to make room for the arrivals.
His contract has now been terminated and Villa's decision has freed up Holman to complete a move to the Middle East.
United Arab Emirates club Al Nasr confirmed on Thursday that personal terms had been agreed with Holman, who needed to undergo a medical before finalising his move.

FIFA CONFIDENT OF SAFE WORDL CUP NEXT YEAR

FIFA remains confident next year's World Cup in Brazil will be a "safe and successful" one, despite mass anti-governments protests blighting the ongoing Confederations Cup.

Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff issued a public address on Friday in which she insisted funding for next summer's showpiece would not come from the public purse.
The cost of hosting the 2014 finals has become the focus for widespread demonstrations that were initially sparked by rising transport fees but have grown to encompass longstanding grievances of corruption and the standard of public services.

FIFA has issued a statement reiterating there are no plans to abandon the Confederations Cup - considered a dry run in Brazil for next year's event - despite some of the protests descending into violence.
And a spokesman for the governing body insisted there had not been major concerns over the staging of the Confederations Cup, nor fears over the status of the nation as the next World Cup hosts.
"We welcome Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff's address to the nation, and we reassert our collaboration with the (Brazilian) government to deliver a safe and successful Confederations Cup and World Cup, which all football fans can enjoy," FIFA spokesman Pekka Odriozola said at a media briefing at the Maracana Stadium on Saturday.
"We are in contact with the local authorities on a daily basis, which is normal for the usual structures of such an event.
"From both FIFA, the local organising committee and the federal government, there were no discussions regarding any cancellation or change of venue with regards to the Confederations Cup or the World Cup.
"There has been no discussion at this stage regarding that possibility."

SCOLARI: I'LL LOVE TO WORK WITH BALOTELLI

Luiz Felipe Scolari has admitted that he would love to work with Mario Balotelli as his Brazil team prepare to face Italy.

The Azzurri striker has been in fine form since his January move to AC Milan from Manchester City and the Selecao boss believes he would form a perfect partnership with Neymar.

"Balotelli is very strong and I would love to train him," he told reporters.

"Our defenders know his qualities already. He reminds me of Serginho from the 1982 World Cup squad and would make a perfect partnership with Neymar."

Scolari went on to say that his team would go out to beat the Azzurri but admitted that there were a few tired legs in the squad.

"We'll play to win, although a

draw would also suit us," he continued.

"Oscar is tired, as he played many games with Chelsea this season, but he’s still in decent shape. Lucas is also raring to go.

"Dani Alves and Thiago Silva are on yellow cards, so I still have to decide whether to risk them or not. Could I play David Luiz in midfield? It is an option, during the game or from the start.

"I know that Italy will change three or four players from the side that beat Japan."

Brazil have taken six points from their opening two Confederations Cup games.

ROMARIO UNHAPPY WITH FIFA

Brazil legend Romario has claimed that Fifa is running the country ahead of next summer's World Cup.

The current Confederations Cup has been hit by protests across the nation, with the public unhappy at the cost of staging the event.

And the former striker believes that football's governing body is exerting too much influence on his homeland.

"They are taking the piss out of us with our money, the public's money," he said in a YouTube video.

"The money that has been spent on the Mane Garrincha stadium could have been used to build 150,000 housing units.

"But no, we spend it on a stadium. Is it nice? Yes. Is it practical? Not at all. Fifa is the real president of this country.

"Fifa comes to our country and imposes a state within a state. It's not going to pay taxes, it's going to come, install a circus without paying anything and take everything with it."

COURTOIS GOING BACK ON LOAN AT ATLETICO MADRID

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will spend a third successive season on loan with Atletico Madrid, the Liga outfit have confirmed.

The 21-year-old joined Chelsea in 2011 but has yet to make a first team appearances for the Blues, moving instead to Atleti initially as a short-term loan replacement for David De Gea.

The Belgium international has gone on to make 96 appearances for los Rojiblancos in all competitions, winning the Copda del Rey, Europa League and Super Cup in his two years at the club.

  A  statement on the club's official website read: "Thibaut Courtois will return to Atletico Madrid next season after an agreement was reached between our club and Chelsea for him to play on loan for another year."

Courtois is delighted to have extended his stay in the Spanish capital and is eagerly looking forward to competing in the Champions League next season.

"I am very happy because it was what I wanted," he said.

"I have always said that I wanted to continue at Atletico next season and take part in such an important competition as the Champions League after we qualified for it in such a brilliant way.

"I am only thinking about continuing to enjoy the incredible support that we have and I hope we can continue to bring them a lot of happiness."

The Belgian youngster, who joined Chelsea for a fee of around £4 million from Racing Genk, kept 20 clean sheets in La Liga last season, but was unlikely to usurp Petr Cech at Stamford Bridge.

VILLA: FIORENTINA HAVE AN INTERESTING PROJECT

Fiorentina have an "interesting project", according to the agent of Barcelona forward David Villa.

Reports in Spain have suggested that the Viola are looking to bring the 31-year-old to the Artemio Franchi along with Blaugrana youngster Jonathan Dos Santos.

And while Victor Onate has stressed that there is no concrete interest from the Tuscan side, he is a keen admirer of the club's recent work.

"I think it is excessive to say there is formal interest from Fiorentina but we know the type of interesting project they have in mind," he told Tuttomercatoweb.

"I worked with current Fiorentina technical director Eduardo Macia at Valencia. We are friends and in constant communication. Fiorentina had a good season and their intention is to grow even more.

"David is focused on the Confederations Cup. Leaving a club like Barcelona is not easy and it depends on many factors, including next year’s World Cup, as clearly he wants to approach it as a protagonist.

"If he does leave, we are looking for an important project that will allow him to play at a high level. England or Italy makes no difference, as long as the project is good."

Villa has one year left on his contract at Camp Nou.

BORINI NAMED IN U21 ALL STAR TEAM

Fabio Borini has been named in the UEFA U21 European Championships all-star squad.

The Reds striker is one of 23 players to have been selected by the UEFA technical team after he struck two goals in three appearances as Italy finished as runners up to Spain in the Israel-based tournament.
2013 UEFA European U21 Championship all-star squad
Goalkeepers: Francesco Bardi (Italy), David De Gea (Spain), Ørjan Nyland (Norway)
Defenders: Marc Bartra (Spain), Luca Caldirola (Italy), Iñigo Martínez (Spain), Bruno Martins Indi (Netherlands), Martín Montoya (Spain), Alberto Moreno (Spain), Stefan Strandberg (Norway)
Midfielders: Alan Dzagoev (Russia), Lewis Holtby (Germany), Asier Illarramendi (Spain), Isco (Spain), Koke (Spain), Adam Maher (Netherlands), Thiago Alcántara (Spain), Marco Verratti (Italy)
Forwards: Fabio Borini (Italy), Luuk De Jong (Netherlands), Álvaro Morata (Spain), Rodrigo Moreno (Spain), Georginio Wijnaldum (Netherlands)

PAULINHO SET FOR TOTTENHAM

Corinthians have confirmed that negotiations are gathering pace with Tottenham regarding the transfer of Paulinho.
The Brazil international, who is currently impressing in the Confederations Cup, has long been linked with a move to Europe with Tottenham among the clubs interested.


Spurs were yet to have firmed up their interest as recently as last week, but reports now suggest that a £17million bid for the midfielder has been accepted.
Corinthians director of football Edu - a former Arsenal player - has confirmed that there have been further developments and a move to London now looks likely.
When asked about the interest from the White Hart Lane club, Edu told UOL: "The situation is well underway.
"We have to agree on some details of the negotiation, so I can't say he will leave yet, but the negotiations are good."
The 24-year-old made his Brazil debut in 2011 and was recently on target for his country against England at the Maracana.